[OVERVIEW]
Rotom-S has a niche because of its good defensive Electric / Flying typing, which gives it the ability to check common threats such as Oricorio-G, Gurdurr, Scyther, and Swanna. Its movepool, which includes moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Defog, gives it some more utility as a defensive Pokemon. Although its one of the few relevant hazard removers that are immune to both Spikes and Toxic Spikes, its weakness to Stealth Rock and lack of reliable recovery hinder its ability to switch in, which interferes with its role as a Defogger. In addition, it's pressured by common hazard setters like Froslass and Focus Sash Omastar. Weaknesses to prevalent Rock- and Ice-type moves further undermine its ability to check standard Fighting-types like Primeape and Hitmonchan. Furthermore, Oricorio-E is another notable adversary; despite Oricorio-E's slightly lower bulk, Taunt is its main selling point over Rotom-S, permitting Oricorio-E to shut down defensive hazard setters such as Weezing – something Rotom-S cannot do. On the offensive side, it is likewise overshadowed by Oricorio-E due to the latter's access to Hurricane, Roost, Taunt, Calm Mind, as well as Defog. As an offensive pivot, it is outclassed by Eelektross and Rotom-F, which have more coverage options that can be used to threaten counters. As a result of its numerous flaws, Rotom-S is often considered to be an unconventional Electric-type pick in general, but it finds a small place in the tier with its typing and defensive capability. It also faces competition from Lanturn, as Lanturn has an immunity to Electric-type moves and a resistance to Ice-type moves, greater special bulk, and access to Heal Bell. It should be kept in mind that having both Will-O-Wisp and Defog on the same moveset is Rotom-S's only niche over the previously mentioned Pokemon and is, for the most part, the only reason to use it.
[SET]
name: Defensive Pivot
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Air Slash
move 3: Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Defog / Pain Split
item: Iapapa Berry / Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 208 Def / 48 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Volt Switch is the preferred STAB Electric-type attack, as it enables Rotom-S to generate momentum for the team. Air Slash is another STAB attack, dealing super effective damage to Grass-types and Fighting-types such as Lilligant and Primeape. Will-O-Wisp can be used to burn common physical attackers such as Golurk and Primeape, reducing the damage of their moves and neutralizing them. It can also be used to pressure Rotom-S's checks such as Togedemaru and Mudsdale. Defog allows Rotom-S to remove any hazards. Thus, it expands Rotom-S's role as a defensive pivot. Though unreliable, Pain Split can heal Rotom-S while damaging the foe simultaneously. Because of Rotom-S's naturally low HP stat, this move can be fairly good. It can be used offensively as well, severely denting its counters and possibly even putting them in knockout range.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP EVs are invested to increase Rotom's bulk. 48 Speed EVs allow Rotom-S to outspeed Jolly Aggron and maximum invested neutral-natured base 60s such as Abomasnow and Pawniard. Combined with a Bold nature, the rest of the EVs are invested in Defense to maximize its bulk, allowing it to take physical hits more easily. Iapapa Berry gives Rotom-S a one-time heal of 50% of its maximum health, which will activate after Rotom-S switches into Stealth Rock three times. Alternatively, Leftovers is a passive form of recovery that lets Rotom-S avoid the 2HKO from Primeape's Stone Edge and Hitmonchan's Ice Punch but is otherwise negligible.
Usage Tips
========
Rotom-S should be brought in early-game, as it can cripple common entry hazard setters such as Regirock with Will-O-Wisp as well as clear any entry hazards with Defog. Its tendency to be worn down easily throughout the match signifies the need to remove entry hazards as soon as possible so it is healthy enough to check Gurdurr, Primeape, and Me First Pinsir. Later in the match, Rotom-S should be brought in on slower Pokemon such as Audino or on resisted Grass-, Fighting-, or Flying-type moves to eliminate any remaining entry hazards. This may include, but is not limited to, Choice-locked Primeape's Close Combat and Swanna's Hurricane. Being immune to the Toxic Spikes, Rotom-S should be brought in directly on Weezing to quickly remove the aforementioned hazard before a teammate can be afflicted by poison. Although it has a great Defense stat, Rotom-S's appalling HP stat prevents it from taking more powerful physical hits such as Stoutland's Return and Zangoose's Facade. Therefore, be sure to switch it in only on weak to moderate physical attacks. Since Electric-types like Alolan Raichu tend to wall Rotom-S's attacking moves, predict this by going for a status move or pivot out, unless the foe has Lightning Rod or Volt Absorb. After it inevitably gets worn down from repeated attacks, Rotom-S should go for Pain Split, as it will recover a lot of health, especially against Pokemon with high HP stats such as Skuntank and Audino. When facing faster Taunt users such as Qwilfish or Defiant users such as Primeape, instead of going for Defog, predict and respond with a STAB move.
Team Options
========
In general, Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan are valuable teammates to Rotom-S because of their good type synergy with it. While Rotom-S can easily take a Supersonic Skystrike from Oricorio-G and can handle Weezing, Gurdurr and Primeape can deal with the common Ice-types that are the bane of Rotom-S's existence, with Primeape being able to form a solid VoltTurn core with Rotom-S. Other pivots like Mesprit and Silvally-Fairy can coincide with Rotom-S to gain momentum for the team. They also help with breaking specially defensive walls such as Lanturn and Audino. Clefairy and other specially defensive walls can take on the strong special attackers that would otherwise beat Rotom-S, including Drampa and Mesprit. Wish support from clerics such as Audino helps with Rotom's lackluster recovery. In return, Rotom-S can check the Fighting-types that threaten Audino, such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr. Pokemon, such as Aurorus, Jynx, Omastar that can tear apart Rotom-S's checks and counters appreciate the removal of entry hazards and benefit greatly from Rotom-S's Defog. As such, Rotom-S would fit better on more balanced or offensive teams that value Defog support but can moreover harness its pivotal capabilities.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
An alternate EV spread of 248 HP / 192 Def / 68 SpD permits Rotom-S to take a +1 Breakneck Blitz from Timid Lilligant, 2HKOing back with Air Slash. It still allows Rotom-S to avoid the 2HKO from Primeape's Stone Edge and Hitmonchan's Ice Punch after Leftovers recovery. Rest + Chesto Berry is a possible recovery option, but it can only effectively be used once, subsequently forfeiting its item slot; since Rotom-S does not have the room for Sleep Talk, it is not suggested either, since a sleeping Rotom-S cannot serve its primary role of being a Defogger. Rocky Helmet is another option for an item but it is generally inferior to Leftovers or Iapapa Berry, which supplement Rotom-S's recovery. It can get a little chip damage on physical attackers like Kangaskhan but eliminates its recovery altogether unless Pain Split is used. Specially defensive Rotom-S can be used, but is largely outshined by Lanturn in this role, with its only niches being Defog and the ability to check Lilligant to some degree. Choice Scarf is a possible but unrecommended set that is overshadowed by other Electric-types such as Togedemaru and Manectric, which both have a better Speed tier and greater offensive movepool. An offensive Defog set can be utilized, but it is outclassed by Oricorio-E, which can use a much stronger Flying-type STAB move in Hurricane, has reliable recovery in Roost, and has higher Speed. Swanna is another Fighting-type check and Defogger that overshadows Rotom-S in speed and offensive prowess. Substitute + Pain Split is yet another option Rotom-S can run. Toxic and Thunder Wave can be run too, as they enable Rotom-S to cripple its checks. However, Substitute, Toxic, and/or Thunder Wave are usually less useful and would mean that Rotom-S would have to replace a much more valuable utility move.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Electric-types**: Lanturn is Rotom-S's greatest downfall. It not only prevents Rotom-S from pivoting, but it actually heals itself through Volt Absorb and takes advantage of Rotom-S's inability to deal significant damage to it. In general, offensive Electric-types take of advantage Rotom-S; examples include Manectric, Alolan Raichu, and Eelektross. Rotom-S can pivot on the latter two if they attempt to switch in.
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Walls such as Clefairy and Audino can comfortably take all of Rotom-S's attacks and retaliate with Toxic or provide clerical support for their team. Clefairy can also spam Stealth Rock or set up with Calm Mind.
**Ice-types**: Powerful Ice-type wallbreakers such as Abomasnow, Froslass, and Aurorus will obliterate all Rotom-S sets. On the other hand, Rotom-S can threaten the former with STAB Air Slash.
**Rock-types**: Regirock can use Toxic on Rotom-S and proceed to set up Stealth Rock in spite of Rotom-S's numerous attempts to remove them, stalling Rotom-S until it succumbs to poison. Faster Rock-types like Lycanroc and Kabutops will either OHKO or easily 2HKO Rotom-S.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [m3p0, 432205]
- Quality checked by: [[Megazard, 202117], [yogi, 252106], [UberSkitty, <355061]]
- Grammar checked by: [[martha, 384270], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
Rotom-S has a niche because of its good defensive Electric / Flying typing, which gives it the ability to check common threats such as Oricorio-G, Gurdurr, Scyther, and Swanna. Its movepool, which includes moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Defog, gives it some more utility as a defensive Pokemon. Although its one of the few relevant hazard removers that are immune to both Spikes and Toxic Spikes, its weakness to Stealth Rock and lack of reliable recovery hinder its ability to switch in, which interferes with its role as a Defogger. In addition, it's pressured by common hazard setters like Froslass and Focus Sash Omastar. Weaknesses to prevalent Rock- and Ice-type moves further undermine its ability to check standard Fighting-types like Primeape and Hitmonchan. Furthermore, Oricorio-E is another notable adversary; despite Oricorio-E's slightly lower bulk, Taunt is its main selling point over Rotom-S, permitting Oricorio-E to shut down defensive hazard setters such as Weezing – something Rotom-S cannot do. On the offensive side, it is likewise overshadowed by Oricorio-E due to the latter's access to Hurricane, Roost, Taunt, Calm Mind, as well as Defog. As an offensive pivot, it is outclassed by Eelektross and Rotom-F, which have more coverage options that can be used to threaten counters. As a result of its numerous flaws, Rotom-S is often considered to be an unconventional Electric-type pick in general, but it finds a small place in the tier with its typing and defensive capability. It also faces competition from Lanturn, as Lanturn has an immunity to Electric-type moves and a resistance to Ice-type moves, greater special bulk, and access to Heal Bell. It should be kept in mind that having both Will-O-Wisp and Defog on the same moveset is Rotom-S's only niche over the previously mentioned Pokemon and is, for the most part, the only reason to use it.
[SET]
name: Defensive Pivot
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Air Slash
move 3: Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Defog / Pain Split
item: Iapapa Berry / Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 208 Def / 48 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Volt Switch is the preferred STAB Electric-type attack, as it enables Rotom-S to generate momentum for the team. Air Slash is another STAB attack, dealing super effective damage to Grass-types and Fighting-types such as Lilligant and Primeape. Will-O-Wisp can be used to burn common physical attackers such as Golurk and Primeape, reducing the damage of their moves and neutralizing them. It can also be used to pressure Rotom-S's checks such as Togedemaru and Mudsdale. Defog allows Rotom-S to remove any hazards. Thus, it expands Rotom-S's role as a defensive pivot. Though unreliable, Pain Split can heal Rotom-S while damaging the foe simultaneously. Because of Rotom-S's naturally low HP stat, this move can be fairly good. It can be used offensively as well, severely denting its counters and possibly even putting them in knockout range.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP EVs are invested to increase Rotom's bulk. 48 Speed EVs allow Rotom-S to outspeed Jolly Aggron and maximum invested neutral-natured base 60s such as Abomasnow and Pawniard. Combined with a Bold nature, the rest of the EVs are invested in Defense to maximize its bulk, allowing it to take physical hits more easily. Iapapa Berry gives Rotom-S a one-time heal of 50% of its maximum health, which will activate after Rotom-S switches into Stealth Rock three times. Alternatively, Leftovers is a passive form of recovery that lets Rotom-S avoid the 2HKO from Primeape's Stone Edge and Hitmonchan's Ice Punch but is otherwise negligible.
Usage Tips
========
Rotom-S should be brought in early-game, as it can cripple common entry hazard setters such as Regirock with Will-O-Wisp as well as clear any entry hazards with Defog. Its tendency to be worn down easily throughout the match signifies the need to remove entry hazards as soon as possible so it is healthy enough to check Gurdurr, Primeape, and Me First Pinsir. Later in the match, Rotom-S should be brought in on slower Pokemon such as Audino or on resisted Grass-, Fighting-, or Flying-type moves to eliminate any remaining entry hazards. This may include, but is not limited to, Choice-locked Primeape's Close Combat and Swanna's Hurricane. Being immune to the Toxic Spikes, Rotom-S should be brought in directly on Weezing to quickly remove the aforementioned hazard before a teammate can be afflicted by poison. Although it has a great Defense stat, Rotom-S's appalling HP stat prevents it from taking more powerful physical hits such as Stoutland's Return and Zangoose's Facade. Therefore, be sure to switch it in only on weak to moderate physical attacks. Since Electric-types like Alolan Raichu tend to wall Rotom-S's attacking moves, predict this by going for a status move or pivot out, unless the foe has Lightning Rod or Volt Absorb. After it inevitably gets worn down from repeated attacks, Rotom-S should go for Pain Split, as it will recover a lot of health, especially against Pokemon with high HP stats such as Skuntank and Audino. When facing faster Taunt users such as Qwilfish or Defiant users such as Primeape, instead of going for Defog, predict and respond with a STAB move.
Team Options
========
In general, Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan are valuable teammates to Rotom-S because of their good type synergy with it. While Rotom-S can easily take a Supersonic Skystrike from Oricorio-G and can handle Weezing, Gurdurr and Primeape can deal with the common Ice-types that are the bane of Rotom-S's existence, with Primeape being able to form a solid VoltTurn core with Rotom-S. Other pivots like Mesprit and Silvally-Fairy can coincide with Rotom-S to gain momentum for the team. They also help with breaking specially defensive walls such as Lanturn and Audino. Clefairy and other specially defensive walls can take on the strong special attackers that would otherwise beat Rotom-S, including Drampa and Mesprit. Wish support from clerics such as Audino helps with Rotom's lackluster recovery. In return, Rotom-S can check the Fighting-types that threaten Audino, such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr. Pokemon, such as Aurorus, Jynx, Omastar that can tear apart Rotom-S's checks and counters appreciate the removal of entry hazards and benefit greatly from Rotom-S's Defog. As such, Rotom-S would fit better on more balanced or offensive teams that value Defog support but can moreover harness its pivotal capabilities.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
An alternate EV spread of 248 HP / 192 Def / 68 SpD permits Rotom-S to take a +1 Breakneck Blitz from Timid Lilligant, 2HKOing back with Air Slash. It still allows Rotom-S to avoid the 2HKO from Primeape's Stone Edge and Hitmonchan's Ice Punch after Leftovers recovery. Rest + Chesto Berry is a possible recovery option, but it can only effectively be used once, subsequently forfeiting its item slot; since Rotom-S does not have the room for Sleep Talk, it is not suggested either, since a sleeping Rotom-S cannot serve its primary role of being a Defogger. Rocky Helmet is another option for an item but it is generally inferior to Leftovers or Iapapa Berry, which supplement Rotom-S's recovery. It can get a little chip damage on physical attackers like Kangaskhan but eliminates its recovery altogether unless Pain Split is used. Specially defensive Rotom-S can be used, but is largely outshined by Lanturn in this role, with its only niches being Defog and the ability to check Lilligant to some degree. Choice Scarf is a possible but unrecommended set that is overshadowed by other Electric-types such as Togedemaru and Manectric, which both have a better Speed tier and greater offensive movepool. An offensive Defog set can be utilized, but it is outclassed by Oricorio-E, which can use a much stronger Flying-type STAB move in Hurricane, has reliable recovery in Roost, and has higher Speed. Swanna is another Fighting-type check and Defogger that overshadows Rotom-S in speed and offensive prowess. Substitute + Pain Split is yet another option Rotom-S can run. Toxic and Thunder Wave can be run too, as they enable Rotom-S to cripple its checks. However, Substitute, Toxic, and/or Thunder Wave are usually less useful and would mean that Rotom-S would have to replace a much more valuable utility move.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Electric-types**: Lanturn is Rotom-S's greatest downfall. It not only prevents Rotom-S from pivoting, but it actually heals itself through Volt Absorb and takes advantage of Rotom-S's inability to deal significant damage to it. In general, offensive Electric-types take of advantage Rotom-S; examples include Manectric, Alolan Raichu, and Eelektross. Rotom-S can pivot on the latter two if they attempt to switch in.
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Walls such as Clefairy and Audino can comfortably take all of Rotom-S's attacks and retaliate with Toxic or provide clerical support for their team. Clefairy can also spam Stealth Rock or set up with Calm Mind.
**Ice-types**: Powerful Ice-type wallbreakers such as Abomasnow, Froslass, and Aurorus will obliterate all Rotom-S sets. On the other hand, Rotom-S can threaten the former with STAB Air Slash.
**Rock-types**: Regirock can use Toxic on Rotom-S and proceed to set up Stealth Rock in spite of Rotom-S's numerous attempts to remove them, stalling Rotom-S until it succumbs to poison. Faster Rock-types like Lycanroc and Kabutops will either OHKO or easily 2HKO Rotom-S.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [m3p0, 432205]
- Quality checked by: [[Megazard, 202117], [yogi, 252106], [UberSkitty, <355061]]
- Grammar checked by: [[martha, 384270], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
Last edited: